At over 40, I started to get the dreaded "paunch" - so I'm trying to lose it and gain some confidence in this body of mine again.

Because it's part of the process of improvement. During my divorce I realized that I hadn't really spent any time thinking about my health (spiritual, mental, physical, emotional) in a long time. Working out, eating well and returning to a routine of health -- makes me feel great and ensures that I'll be around when my children start having children of their own.